Marcus Claudius Marcellus (c. 268-208 BCE), during the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE),
conquered Syracuse in 211 BCE and plundered the city, bringing thousands of sculptures and
other works of art to Rome and transforming the city into an attractive, cosmopolitan
center. Roman elders criticized Marcellus because the decorated temples became tourist
attractions, tempting the people to want additional luxuries and to waste the day in small
talk about art.